State House has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to ensuring timely payment of farmers.
This follows concerns over delays in disbursements for crops supplied during the last farming season.
In a statement, State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka revealed that nationwide checks have been conducted to assess progress, and that the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed the release of all funds allocated for farmer payments.
He noted that while payments are reaching beneficiaries, the process has been slower in some areas due to the high volume of farmers being processed by implementing institutions.
Hamasaka stressed that President Hakainde Hichilema remains transparent and accountable, citing his public apology during the ZESCO load-shedding period as an example of his leadership style.
He highlighted that the President has shown the same openness in addressing the issue of delayed farmer payments.
Hamasaka said the President has repeatedly clarified that Government did not fully anticipate the overwhelming response from farmers, who delivered a record-breaking harvest despite recovering from a severe drought.
He explained that this success, while commendable, placed immense pressure on the country’s payment and marketing systems.
Hamasaka said in response, Government is developing a more sustainable crop marketing framework that reduces dependence on the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).
He pointed out that the FRA’s original mandate is to manage strategic food reserves, not to serve as a large-scale crop marketing institution.
Hamasaka added that steps are being taken to realign the FRA with its core function, while establishing a more effective and enduring system for crop marketing.
